ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Air Marshal R Nambiar PVSM AVSM VM & Bar Assumes the Command of Western Air Command as AOC-in-C
Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar, PVSM AVSM VM & Bar took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command, Indian Air Force on 01 March 2019. All the Principal Staff Officers  of the Western Air Command along with spouses were present on the occasion. The Air Marshal is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla. He was commissioned in the Flying Branch of Indian Air Force as a Fighter Pilot on 11 June 1981.
The Air Marshal reviewed a ceremonial Guard of Honour and outlined his vision for the Western Air Command. He exhorted all personnel to work with zeal & enthusiasm so as to enable Western Air Command to fulfill the objectives of the IAF and the Nation at large.
The Air Marshal is an Experimental Test Pilot and has flown about 42 types of aircraft. He has the distinction of having the highest number of flying hours to his credit on Mirage-2000 in the IAF, with over 2300 flying hrs on the aircraft and a total of 5100 hrs of flying experience. He is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and was the Project Test Pilot for the Light Combat Aircraft “Tejas”.
Air Marshal Nambiar has commanded the prestigious No. 1 Squadron. He was the Director of Space Applications at Air HQ, Principal Director of Offensive Operations and the Chief Operations Officer of Air Force Station Gwalior. He was posted to Embassy of India in Israel as the Defence Attache. The Air Marshal has also held the coveted appointments of Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Jamnagar, Commandant ASTE, Air Defence Commander Western Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer  of Southern Air Command, Training Command and Eastern Air Command. He was also the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air HQ. Before taking over as AOC-in-C of the Western Air Command, he was the AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command.
Air Marshal Nambiar was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry by Hon'ble President of India for his prominent role in the Kargil Operations. He was awarded a Bar to the Vayu Sena Medal for flight testing the Light Combat Aircraft  in 2002 during its first phase of flight. He was commended by the Chief of Air Staff in 1991 and C-in-C of Strategic Force Command in 2005. He was conferred Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2015 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal on 26 Jan 2019.
The Air Marshal is married to Mrs Luxmi Nambiar. Their son, Ashwin Nambiar is a commercial pilot.
In a separate ceremony, Mrs Luxmi Nambiar also assumed the charge of President, Air Force Wives Welfare Association  – Regional. The ceremony was witnessed by all the Executive Members of AFWWA .
AB/BBS
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Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
MNRE organises Quad Workshop on Clean Hydrogen
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy today organised the Quad Workshop on Regulations, Codes and Standards  for Clean Hydrogen, as part of efforts under the Quad Clean Energy Pillar and the Quad Clean Hydrogen Strategic Initiative to strengthen ongoing initiatives and identify new opportunities in the clean hydrogen sector.\
Speaking at the event, Shri R K Singh, Union Minister for Power and NRE said that in order to achieve energy security, it is essential that Quad countries work together and make a framework for robust codes and standards. Working together to establish harmonized RCS, Quad nations can leverage each other’s strengths to lead global production of green hydrogen and green ammonia, he added.
The workshop was attended by government and industry stakeholders from the Australia, India, Japan, and the United States and focused on the role of harmonised RCS to bolster the clean hydrogen sector. The workshop identified critical areas of intervention where joint efforts could be leveraged. Participants deliberated on establishment of a framework for building consensus on standards, codes and regulations for the clean hydrogen value chain. Ensuring safety and compliance across the hydrogen value chain through the RCS partnership was also discussed.
The Quad Clean Hydrogen Strategic Initiative seeks to strengthen infrastructure projects for clean hydrogen and find new business prospects in this area. The overarching goal of the Initiative is to propose ways to lower costs across all elements of the clean-hydrogen value chain, through collaborative research and development, harmonisation of standards; and securing supply networks for vital materials and components. Clean hydrogen will play a critical role, worldwide, in achieving decarbonization targets and securing energy supply chains.
AYUSH
Ministry of Ayush makes ‘Ayush Aahaar’ available at its canteen
Promoting nutritional diet and a healthy living, the Ministry of Ayush made a new beginning on Monday by making ‘Ayush Aahaar’ available at its canteen at Ayush Bhawan.
Started as a pilot project, the ‘Ayush Aahaar’ includes Vegetable Poha, Bhajani Vada, Gajar Ka Halwa and Kokum Drink. Officials said that all the dishes are very popular among the masses and have high nutritional value.
Speaking at the launch, Ayush secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said that the Ayush diet made available in the canteen is beneficial for health and easily digestible. Shri Kotecha said the ministry in 2021 collaborated with various states and did some commendable work under the National Ayush Mission. “Our focus this year will be on Education, Research, Manufacturing, Public Health and Governance. We are also working on a single window system,” he said.
During the meeting, the officials also discussed their plan of action to promote Ayush lifestyle in the year 2022. On this occasion, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Shri Pramod Kumar Pathak, said that those buying the ‘Ayush Aahaar’ will be given a feedback form to fill. Based on the responses, the new diet will be regularised in the canteen.
Among other officials present in the programme were Ayush joint secretaries Kavita Garg and D Senthil Pandian.
SK
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Ministry of Defence
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries  & BrahMos Missiles worth Rs 1,700 crore
Ministry of Defence, on March 30, 2023, inked a contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited  for procurement of Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries  {NGMMCB } and BrahMos Missiles at an approximate cost of over Rs 1,700 crore under Buy  Category. The delivery of NGMMCBs is scheduled to commence from 2027. These systems will be equipped with supersonic BrahMos Missiles and will significantly enhance multi-directional maritime strike capability of Indian Navy.
The BAPL is a Joint Venture between India and Russia making crucial contribution to augment the new generation Surface-to-Surface missile with enhanced ranges. This contract is going to give further boost to indigenous production of critical weapon system and ammunition with active participation of indigenous industries. This project will generate an employment of more than 90,000 man-days over a period of four years. With the majority of the equipment and sub-system sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these systems will be a proud flag bearer of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Ministry of Finance
Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2020-21  – Issue Price
In terms of Government of India Notification No.4-B/2020 dated October 09, 2020, Sovereign Gold Bonds 2020-21  will be opened for the period November 09-13, 2020 with Settlement date November 18, 2020. The issue price of the Bond during the subscription period shall be Rs 5,177  – per gram, as also published by RBI in their Press Release dated November 06, 2020.
The Government of India in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has decided to allow discount of Rs 50  per gram from the issue price to those investors who apply online and the payment is made through digital mode. For such investors the issue price of Gold Bond will be Rs 5,127  per gram of gold.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Cabinet approves MoU on Maritime issues between India and Denmark
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding  on Maritime issues between India and Denmark. The MoU is proposed to be signed during the upcoming visit of the WIP from Denmark to India in January, 2019.
Benefits
Signing of the MoU will pave way for both countries for exploration of areas for bilateral collaboration:
- facilitating cross-border cooperation and investments between the maritime sectors of India and Denmark;
- enabling both the countries to exchange expertise, publications, information, data and statistics to improve mutual capabilities for ensuring quality shipping;cooperation in the field of green maritime technology and shipbuilding, granting the Indian Register of Shipping  the status of Recognized Organization , cooperation in the fields of maritime training and education;
- research and development for sustained cooperation in the field of merchant shipping and maritime transport related matters; and
- It will also further extend and deepen the cooperation on the opportunities of mutual benefits to both the countries, at both bilateral and international level.
Background
Denmark is one of the important trading partners with India. Major Danish exports to India include medicinal/ pharmaceutical goods, power generation machinery; industrial machinery, metal ores, organic chemicals, etc. Major Indian exports to Denmark include apparels, textiles/ fabrics/ yarns, road vehicles and components, metal goods, iron and steel, footwear and travel goods.In order to boost the bilateral trade between the two countries and to ensure cooperation and coordination in the maritime sector, it is proposed to enter into a bilateral MoU with Denmark.
AKT
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Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Roundtable of Secretary, FPI with Resident Commissioners on the activities related to IYOM & Mega Food Event 2023
Secretary, FPI chaired a roundtable interaction with Resident Commissioners on Thursday 8th December 2022 at 11:00 AM. The agenda of the roundtable was to apprise the Ministry’s plan of action for the proposed Mega Food Event to States / UTs and discuss possible areas of collaborations.
During the keynote address, Secretary, FPI informed the RCs that the mega event would be organized in October 2023 and is being envisaged on a much larger scale than the event earlier organised by the Ministry. This event would be providing a platform for the States and UTs to showcase State / UT-specific opportunities, interact with global and domestic business leaders, suppliers, purchasers, and technology providers for collaborations, and generate investment & sourcing interests across the value chain of food processing and food retail sectors.
All States / UTs were requested to share feedback / suggestions to make the event a grand success. They were also requested to participate actively in the event, as well as support the Ministry in creating awareness, ensuring participation of senior policy makers, agri-food companies, FPOs / SHGs and all relevant stakeholders in the mega food event.
The participants were also informed that as part of ‘International Year of Millets’, a series of activities are being planned by the Ministry to create awareness about the many benefits of millets and millet based value-added products.
All participating RCs assured support to MoFPI in activities planned throughout the year 2023 and during the Mega Food Event 2023. Some of the suggestions / feedback included requirements of focused campaigning of the mega food event as well as benefits of millets domestically & in international expos, organising district level summits in addition to planned summits and expos in State Capitals which would help in onboarding micro entrepreneurs, FPOs, SHGs; showcasing of traditional aspects, possible association with tourism industry for promotion of the mega event etc.
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The Investment Facilitation Cell  was advised to coordinate with the States and UTs for implementing the identified plan of action and ensuring necessary support to enable active participation of States / UTs.
Secretary, FPI urged all States and UTs to engage with the Ministry for showcasing the strength of Indian food processing sector as well as actively participate in to avail the maximum benefits of the mega event.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Management of SDRF
State Disaster Response Fund  is administered as per the recommendations of the successive Finance Commissions set up under the Article 280 of the Constitution of India. Financial assistance is provided to State Government from SDRF as per the established procedure, for meeting the expenditure on relief provided to people affected by any of the 12 notified disasters.
However, keeping in view the spread of COVID-19 in the country, and declaration of COVID-19 as pandemic by the World Health Organization , the Central Government vide letter dated 14th March 2020, by way of a special one-time dispensation, decided to treat COVID-19 as a notified disaster for the purpose of providing limited assistance under SDRF towards containment measures, on  Measures for quarantine, sample collection and screening and  Procurement of essential equipments/ labs for response to COVID-19. Further to deal with problems of migrant labourers, on 28th March, 2020, the Central Government allowed use of SDRF for setting up relief camps and for providing food etc. to homeless people including migrant workers, stranded due to lockdown measures. On 23rd September, 2020, the Central Government further allowed use of SDRF by the States for oxygen generation and storage plants in hospitals; strengthening ambulance services for transport of patients; and setting up containment zones, COVID-19 care centres.
For the containment measures allowed under SDRF, State Governments were allowed to spend upto 35% of the annual allocation of SDRF during the financial year 2019-20. The ceiling of 35% was further enhanced to 50% during the financial year 2020-21. Further, keeping in view the surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, the Central Government, further extended the dispensation allowed to States to utilize upto 50% of their annual allocation of SDRF, for containment measures of COVID-19 during the financial year, 2021-22.
First installment of Central share of SDRF for 2021-22 amounting to Rs. 8873.60 crore has been released in advance to all States on 29th April, 2021.
The limit of expenditure upto 50% of SDRF allocation for COVID-19 containment measures is fixed to ensure that sufficient funds are available with the State Governments to provide relief measures during any notified disasters, for which this statutory fund has been established. The regular funding to deal with COVID-19 has been and continues to be provided to States under the National Health Mission, while assistance from SDRF is allowed to supplement the resources of the State Governments.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Power
Ministry of Power notifies price of one metric tonne of oil equivalent applicable for Designated Consumer of Second Cycle of Perform, Achieve and Trade  scheme
For compliance under Energy Consumption Norms and Standards of Designated Consumer notified under PAT scheme, price of one metric tonne of oil equivalent is calculated based on the fuel mix used by various notified Designated Consumer in a specified target year.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Power, Government of India, notifies such price applicable for Designated Consumers of a specified cycle of PAT scheme for quantification of their compliance, in case of any default to meet the specified norms and standards.
The Ministry of Power, Government of India, in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency  has notified the price of per metric tonne of oil equivalent as INR 18402 only for the year 2018-19, vide G.S.R 779  dated 14th December 2020.
For the succeeding target years, the price shall be such amount as may be specified by the Central Government, by notification in the Official Gazette. Such price will come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
The price of one metric tonne of oil equivalent discovered for the year 2018-2019 is based on the changes in corresponding energy mix due to addition of new sectors viz. Petroleum Refinery, Railways and Electricity Distribution companies under the Perform, Achieve and Trade Scheme and further streamlining of price calculation methodology, as per notification G.S.R. 373 , dated the 31st March, 2016.
About BEE
BEE is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. It assists in developing policies and strategies on energy conservation and efficiency with the primary objective of reducing the energy intensity of the Indian economy. BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies of the states, and other related organization to identify and utilize the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
Monika
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Ministry of Defence
Vice Admiral Atul Anand takes over as Additional Secretary, DMA
Vice Admiral Atul Anand took over as Additional Secretary, Department of Military Affairs on July 03, 2023. The post was previously held by Lt Gen Anil Puri, who superannuated on February 28, 2023.
Vice Admiral Atul Anand was commissioned into the executive branch of the Indian Navy on January 01, 1988. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy ; Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur  and National Defence College, New Delhi. He has also attended the Advanced Security Cooperation course at Asia Pacific Centre of Security Studies, Hawaii, USA.
A recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal  and Vishisht Seva Medal , Vice Admiral Atul Anand has held several key appointments in his career, including the command of Torpedo Recovery Vessel INTRV A72; missile boat INS Chatak; corvette INS Khukri and the destroyer INS Mumbai. He also served as the Navigating Officer of IN ships Sharda, Ranvijay & Jyoti and was the Direction Officer of the Sea Harrier squadron INAS 300 and the Executive Officer of the destroyer INS Delhi. His important staff appointments include Joint Director, Staff Requirements; Directing Staff at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; Director, Naval Operations and Director, Naval Intelligence .
He has also served as Principal Director, Naval Operations and Principal Director, Strategy, Concepts and Transformation at Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence . As a Flag Officer, he has served as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff ; Deputy Commandant & Chief Instructor at National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla; Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval area; Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval area and Director General Naval Operations.
Ministry of Law and Justice
PRESS COMMUNIQUE
In exercise of the power conferred by clause  of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Pranay Verma to be a Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Nepal on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and precursor chemicals and related matters
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has given its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Nepal on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and precursor chemicals and related matters.
The MoU lists out the areas of cooperation on drug matters between the two countries. It also indicates the mechanism of information exchange and the competent authorities in the two countries who are responsible for the implementation of the MoU and exchange of any information.
Cooperation on drug matters is expected to curb the illicit traffic of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals in the two countries.
The MoU provides that the Parties shall endeavour to: -
 develop mutual cooperation with a view to effectively resolving the issue of illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, cooperate in drug demand reduction through prevention, awareness, education and community based programmes, treatment and rehabilitation; and
 exchange information of operational, technical and general nature in drug matters, exchange literature on their existing laws, rules, procedures, best practices and methods of curbing illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors and any further amendments to the existing legislation.
Background:
India has always supported global efforts to counter drug trafficking and is party to several multilateral and bilateral initiatives in this regard as also United Nations  led initiatives. In accordance with the spirit of UN Conventions on Narcotic Drugs, effort is made to enter into Bilateral Agreements/MoUs with neighbouring countries and the countries which have a direct bearing on the drug situation prevailing in our country. Such Bilateral Agreements/ MoUs have already been executed with various countries. The proposed MoU with Nepal is another such MoU which shall be entered for the purpose of bilateral cooperation on drug matters.
Ministry of Railways
RPF celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
Flags off motorcycle rallies from 75 different locations across country
Felicitating freedom fighters or members of their families to express gratitude for their contribution to freedom struggle
Commemorating India’s 75 year of independence, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav honours and celebrates the story of India’s freedom struggle. People from across the world are marking this milestone through actions and deeds capturing India’s indomitable spirit and promising future. RPF is also celebrating this campaign which started from 1st June and will conclude on 14th August .
As a part of the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Motorcycle rallies by RPF personnel from 75 different locations across the country were flagged off on 01.07.2022. This rally would head towards their Zonal headquarters at 16 locations and from there, they will move towards the 4 iconic places related to the freedom movement of India i.e.Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar in the North; Bhitiharwa Ashram, Champaran in the East; Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad in the South and Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad in the West. Moving from these places, the Motorcycle Rally will conclude at Delhi.
RPF is also felicitating freedom fighters or members of their families across India to express gratitude to them for having contributed to the freedom struggle. Mobile video walls are being taken to the nook and corner of our country to spread awareness about safety and security consciousness while traveling on rail. They are also being used to showcase the achievements and service commitment of RPF.
RPF is also organizing a series of other events i.e. Run For Unity, Blood Donation Camps, Cleanliness Drive, Plantation campaigns, Band Shows, etc. associating RPF personnel and the common man as part of these celebrations and spreading the message that the Force stands for security with compassion with an unwavering objective of "सेवा ही संकल्प".
RKJ/M
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